Three snakes found by home owners
It is not uncommon for home owners and residents to find themselves centimeters away from a snake after cleaning out the garage or mowing some tall grass.
It is not uncommon for home owners and residents to find themselves centimeters away from a snake after cleaning out the garage or mowing some tall grass.
Even though coming across a python might be very unlikely even the smallest snake can be dangerous or harmful.
Last week three snakes have been found in eMalahleni by home owners. The reports spread on social media and left people wondering what to do if they found themselves in a similar situation.
Life Cosmos Hospital gives some general and possibly life saving advice. Snake bite symptoms can vary dramatically depending on the type of snake i.e. a) non-venomous and b) venomous – type of venom (neurotoxic, cytotoxic and hemotoxic).
Most venomous snakes have full control over the amount of venom they inject and some often bite people without injecting any venom whatsoever, the so called “dry bite”.
The bite mark seldom resemble a typical snake bite wound with two distinct fang punctures and many consist of a single scratch or one puncture mark with a bit of bleeding. Do not cut the bite area. Do not try to suck out the venom. Do not apply a tourniquet. Wash the bitten area with soap and water (if available). Apply firm pressure to the bite site.
Mr Henry Kemp removing a Poffadder.
Anti-venom is only used in cases of proven envenomation that is potentially life or limb threatening after administration of the appropriate medication to prevent adverse reactions from the anti-venom.
There have been some reports of people finding snakes in their garden. Henry Kemp from Animaniacs has some words of wisdom to share if you ever find yourself in that situation. Most importantly never ever try to kill the snake? “97 percent of snake bits occur when people try to kill the snake. Naturally the snake will try to defend itself,” said Henry. He cannot stress that point enough.
The second thing a person should do is call Henry directly on his cell phone which is 082 327 8917 but remember to not lose sight of it. He also advices that if you have no experience with snakes to not try and cover it with anything either.
If you ever encounter a snake in the wild just leave it be. Do not make sudden movements and it will most likely move away on its own. Venom is precious to a snake it will not waste it unnecessarily therefore do not give it a reason to feel threatened.
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